New research has concluded that floating solar panels could have the potential to meet the entire electricity needs of certain countries. 

Helping To Decarbonise National Economies 

The findings of the research (from Bangor and Lancaster Universities and the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology) suggest that with a conservative 10 per cent surface area coverage, floating solar photovoltaics could produce sufficient energy to contribute a considerable fraction (16 per cent on average) of the electricity demand of some countries. This means that floating solar panels could play an important role in decarbonising national economies. 

Why Floating Solar Panels? 

Solar energy is predicted to be the dominant renewable energy source by 2050, especially considering the growth of solar photovoltaics (PVs) been exceeded all projections. This is most likely because of their cost effectiveness, the global nature of the resource, and their flexibility in deployment. 

In their results (published in nature.com), the researchers noted that the main reasons why floating solar photovoltaics (FPVs), also known as ‘floatovoltaics’, have advantages over conventionally deployed PVs that have enabled them to be deployed rapidly around the world (particularly on artificial bodies of water) include: 

– The need for land-use change, where the alternative is a ground-mounted system. This is beneficial in land-scarce countries and regions with high land prices. 

– FPV systems have lower temperatures, and thus higher efficiencies, compared to land-based systems. 

How Much Electricity Could They Produce? 

Based on the researchers’ idea that they could be deployed in 68,000 lakes and reservoirs worldwide, numerical modelling and calculations indicate that FPVs could generate approximately 1302 terawatt hours (TWh) of electricity annually. This equates to four times the total annual electricity demand of the UK! 

Where? 

In terms of ideal locations, the researchers identified the best areas for FPV deployment as lakes and reservoirs within 10km of population-centres, away from protected areas, and with no more than six months of freezing a year. 

As for which countries FPVs could help meet the energy demands via this renewable energy technology, the researchers highlighted Bolivia, Finland and even China. They also highlighted how FPVs could improve access to electricity in countries such as Chad or Malawi. 

Challenges 

Despite the obvious potential benefits of deployment in some countries, the researchers also highlighted some challenges to the deployment of PPVs in some parts of the world and potential negative points, including: 

– In many regions (e.g. sub-Saharan Africa), it is not simply a question of electricity supply but also connection, which can be difficult. 

– Although globally the deployment of FPVs could lead to a total annual reduction of 0.45 billion tonnes of CO2 (2021 figures), in some countries where the carbon intensity of electricity is already very low, there could be a negative impact of FPV on total CO2 emissions, i.e. they could lead to higher CO2. 

– In nations where the energy supply is dominated by hydro and wind, FPVs may increase CO2 emissions given PVsʼ higher carbon intensity. 

– The impacts of FPVs on water body carbon cycling and their knock-on impacts on, among other things, CO2 emissions from water bodies are unknown. 

– The total reduction in CO2 emissions highlighted by the research were based on water body constraint estimates which could vary depending on the number of water bodies included in any national-scale or global analysis. 

Could Reduce Water Evaporation 

One other potential benefit of deploying large numbers of PV modules mounted on (moored) floats covering the surface of a water body noted by the researchers is the potential for reducing water scarcity by mitigating water loss via evaporation. This could be particularly helpful for drought-stricken areas.  

Evaporation of water in key reservoirs and lakes has been shown to be accelerating globally under climate change. 

What Does This Mean For Your Organisation? 

Covering existing bodies of water with solar floating solar panels to produce clean energy from the sun could, according to this research, represent a significant opportunity in terms of enhancing sustainability while securing a reliable and cost-effective energy source. The findings suggest that covering even a modest portion of water bodies with FPVs could markedly contribute to a whole nation’s electricity supply. This shift towards more sustainable energy practices could reduce costs and dependency on traditional energy sources, thereby benefiting countries, their economies, businesses, and the planet. 

Embracing floating solar technology, contributing to the reduction of carbon emissions, and supporting the decarbonisation of national economies, could, it seems, play a pivotal role in combating climate change.  

Also, the ancillary benefits of using FPVs at scale, such as reducing water evaporation, may also be particularly relevant for people living and organisations operating in water-scarce regions. This technology offers the dual advantage of generating renewable energy while conserving precious water resources. For organisations and businesses using the (presumably cheaper and abundant) power and benefitting from such initiatives, this could help them demonstrate their commitment to resource efficiency and environmental stewardship. This could be a powerful message in corporate social responsibility reports and sustainability communications. 

However, despite the huge potential of FPVs, there are challenges associated with their deployment including potential connectivity issues in regions with underdeveloped electricity infrastructure. For organisations in these areas, it may be necessary to work collaboratively with local authorities and communities to improve grid connections and ensure the effective usage of FPVs. Also, understanding the environmental impact of FPVs on local ecosystems is crucial, but is not yet understood because it hasn’t happened at scale. Comprehensive environmental assessments, therefore, could be conducted to mitigate any negative effects, ensuring that the deployment of FPVs does not inadvertently harm the environment. 

Investing in FPVs also appears to offer the promise of long-term financial benefits. The higher efficiency of FPVs compared to traditional land-based systems could result in more stable and predictable energy costs, providing a hedge against volatile energy markets. This stability may prove invaluable for long-term strategic planning and the overall resilience of the organisations operating in areas where FPVs are deployed.